Grover C Harris Jr.

Grover Cleveland Harris Jr., 85, passed away with the love of his family in his heart, on his 85th birthday, Friday, May 19, 2023.

Grover was born in Cornersville, TN, May 19, 1938, a son of the late Grover C. and Pauline (Laird). He was educated in Cornersville, TN, and moved to Utica as a teenager. Life became Grover’s teacher, and he learned many skills, including operating heavy equipment and training horses, to mention a few. Grover worked for many local companies as a heavy equipment operator, including B & R Trucking and United Contractors.

While out in Rome, NY at a local establishment, Grover met the love of his life, Linda Jeanne Civitelli. Linda and Grover were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1969. The couple shared forty-seven loving years together until his beloved Linda passed away on August 31, 2016.

An avid fisherman, Grover also enjoyed the game of golf with a passion. Grover loved being a host. He loved when you stopped by whatever the circumstances were.

Grover is survived by his beloved sons and their partners, Rex Reed, Grover Cleveland Harris IV and Trish Clement, Trevor and Lauren Harris, and Pasquale Harris; grandsons, Ray Reed and Grover Cleveland Harris V; granddaughters, Leniece and her partner, Devayne Tappin, Dawsenia and her partner, Eddie Wade, and Myah Cherise Harris; many foster children, and close personal friends, too numerous to mention. Grover is also survived by many cousins, but, especially revered by cousin, Mike Haynes of New Mexico, who spent limited, but, valuable time with the family over the summer of 2019. The special relationship created through long distance communication, and family members finding each other, is very strong. Mike would consider Grover his older twin.

Grover’s family honored him privately and he was laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Linda, at Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are with The Matt Funeral Home, Utica.

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